Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanics

What they do?

Refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics perform some or all of the following duties:

A. May install, maintain and repair equipment in refrigerated trucks used to transport food or medical supplies

B. May prepare work estimates for clients.

C. Read and interpret blueprints, drawings or other specifications

D. Measure and lay out reference points for installation

E. Assemble and install refrigeration or air conditioning components such as motors, controls, gauges, valves, circulating pumps, condensers, humidifiers, evaporators and compressors using hand and power tools

F. Measure and cut piping, and connect piping using welding and brazing equipment

Where they find work?

What education do I need?

1. Completion of secondary school is usually required.

2. Completion of a three- to five-year apprenticeship program or A combination of over five years of work experience in the trade and some high school, college or industry courses in refrigeration and air conditioning repair is usually required to be eligible for trade certification.

3. Trade certification for refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics is compulsory in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia and available, but voluntary, in all other provinces and the territories.

4. Trade certification for transport refrigeration mechanics is available, but voluntary, in New Brunswick, Alberta and British Columbia.

5. Red Seal, an interprovincial trade certification, is also available to qualified refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics.

6. Most recent entrants have either a trade/vocational certificate or a community college diploma.

High School Subject that will help:

1. Math
2. English
3. Physics
4. Mechanics

What can you expect to make:

The average hourly wages for Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanics is $21.79/HR, which is close to the average for occupations in the trades, transport and equipment operators sector and close to the average for all technical, professional, and skilled occupations. These wages grew at an average rate from 2002 to 2004.

Average Wage

Expected Wage by Age

Unemployment:

6% of Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanics are unemployed. This rate is close to the average for technical, professional, and skilled occupations.

Unemployment

Trends in Unemployment

Current Job Outlook:

The job outlook for Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanics is considered Average because:

1. Employment grew at an average rate.

2. Hourly wages ($21.79) are close to the average ($18.07), and the rate of wage growth is close to the average.

3. The unemployment rate (6%) is close to the 2004 average (7%).

Future Job Prospects:

Your job outlook will continue to be Average because:

1. The employment growth rate will likely be close to the average.

2. Although the retirement rate will likely be average, the number of retiring workers should contribute to job openings.

3. The number of job seekers will likely match the number of job openings.

Highest Concetration:

The highest concentrations are found in Alberta and Prince Edward Island while the lowest concentrations are in New Brunswick and Newfoundland.

Unionization Rate:

The unionization rate (47%) is close to the average (32%) for all occupations.

Useful Experience:

1. Precision work

2. Mechanics

3. 3-D visualization

Part Time Workers

Part time workers:

5% of Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanics are employed only on a part-time basis. There were 19,000 workers employed in these occupations in 2004, an increase of 32% since 1997.

Age Demographics

Age Demographics:

The retirement rate to 2009 will likely be average reflecting the age/retirement structure of the occupation.

Self Employed

Self Employed:

Roughly 22% of Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanics are self-employed. This is considered Average for the industry as a whole.

Men vs Women

Men vs Women:

1% of the individuals employed as Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanics are women. Compared to other industries, this is Below average.